State heading for self-reliance in power: CM

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated the state's determination to make a dent in the power sector to achieve self-reliance and economic betterment.

The chief minister said 9,000-megawatt (MW) power was in the offing to realise the goal of self-reliance in power generation and helping all sectors to expand comprehensively. This, he said, would not only generate ample employment for youth of the state but give a new dimension to the economic activities.

Inspecting the 7.5 MW Branwar Small Hydro Power Project (SHP) established in the independent power producers (IPP mode) in Budgam district over Doodganga Nullah, a tributary of Sukhnag, the chief minister examined the possibility of utilising the potential available there to generate another 22.5 MW of power.

Abdullah said the power development in the state had been flagged as a focused area and measures had been put in place to generate electricity through small, medium and mega projects. He highlighted the need for local investment in power generation projects and said entrepreneurs of the state were being provided with facilities to invest in the sector and be a part in the economic development.

The chief minister said nearly two dozen small and medium power projects were at various stages of execution under the IPP mode in the state. “The construction of small projects in feasible areas are proving beneficial for local residents who are receiving electricity from the projects and getting employment opportunities,” he said.

Abdullah was apprised that the 7.5-MW capacity Branwar power project was running smoothly and out of 34 skilled members of staff, 30 were locals.

Minister for finance Abdul Rahim Rather, power development department commissioner secretary and other officers were present.